Country music fans are eager to watch the CMA Awards on November 8th at 8/7 c via ABC. The event will be co-hosted by country music royalty Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood for the 10th consecutive year.

One of the most exciting awards given out each year is the ‘New Artist of the Year’ award, which recognizes the genre’s rising stars. This year, five talented artists were nominated including Old Dominion, Lauren Alaina, Brett Young, Luke Combs and Jon Pardi. Recently, each artist took the time to sit down and speak about their nomination.

Up first, Old Dominion. The country band consists of five male members, all bringing something different to the table. In the short clip, they mention how Old Dominion strives to create unique music with clever lyrics. Each member recognizes the incredible honor they received by being nominated for the award and you can tell how proud they are to be in this position. Old Dominion’s most popular song is “There’s No Such Thing as a Broken Heart.” Watch Old Dominion’s interview below…

Another artist up for “New Artist of the Year’ is Georgia native Lauren Alaina. The 22-year-old’s most popular song is “Road Less Traveled.” In Alaina’s interview, she discusses the influence music has had on her life, which has inspired her to pursue her biggest dream. She also mentions how she loves to write music that hits deep in the listener’s mind. She couldn’t be happier to receive this recognition! Check out her clip below…

Brett Young never imagined he would become a country music star. Not because he didn’t think he had the capability, but because he had other life dreams. Growing up in sunny California, Young grew up being an athlete. In fact, he even received a scholarship to play college baseball. Sadly, he injured himself and would never fully recover. However, while he was down on his luck, Brett was inspired by Tim McGraw’s music. Now, Brett Young is up for ‘New Artist of the Year’. What a turn around!

Luke Combs is another rising star who started his musical career later in life. The “When It Rains It Pours” singer didn’t even pick up a guitar until he was 21-years-old. When the nominations were announced on television, Luke Combs was not watching. Not because he didn’t want to see, but because he couldn’t get the TV to work. Find out how Combs learned about his nomination below…

Finally, Jon Pardi is the fifth artist up for the prestigious award. What’s Pardi’s favorite part about playing shows? The fans! The “Heartache on the Dance Floor” was taught guitar by his grandmother. Looks where he is now!